K-9 detects loaded gun at Leesburg High School during search for vapes, police say

A ninth-grade student at Leesburg High School was arrested Thursday morning after a K-9 search for vaping devices uncovered a loaded and stolen handgun in the student’s backpack, according to Leesburg police.

What we know:

K-9 Samba, trained to detect vaping devices, alerted officers to the vape, leading to the discovery of the 9mm Glock in a ninth-grader's bag around 10:30 a.m., according to Lt. Shannon Walsh of the Leesburg Police Department.

"The detection dog came around 10am, and by 10:30 we located the firearm," Lt. Walsh explained.

A student texted her mother during the incident, expressing fear about what might have happened if the gun hadn’t been found.

The mother of the student, who asked not to be named, shared with FOX 35 News, "Her first thought was like, ‘Mom, what if no one caught it, and he just started spraying bullets everywhere?’" 

What they're saying:

Authorities tell FOX 35 that parents should be involved with their children and have open discussions to help prevent weapons from entering schools.

"Definitely talk to your children," Lt. Shannon Walsh, of the Leesburg Police Department. "If they know something, please don't hesitate in giving us a call. We are always here to help."

Lake County Schools stated that no lockdown was necessary, and the school principal informed parents of the incident through a phone call.

The backstory:

Samba, introduced in 2023, is credited not only with finding the weapon but also uncovering three vapes and a cigar in other student backpacks during the search. She was donated to the Lake County Sheriff's Office by the Lake County Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. 

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Leesburg Police Department.

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